§ 24 and 25. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether any discussions took place at the time of the Imperial Conference regarding the definition of Commonwealth citizenship;
(2) whether any discussions took place at the time of the Imperial Conference regarding the constitutional position in South Africa under the Status of the Union Act, 1934, especially as regards the question of Union citizenship?
§ The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)The question of citizenship within the Commonwealth was discussed at the Imperial Conference, and I would refer the hon. Member to sub-section (i) of Section XIV of the Summary of Proceedings (Cmd. 5482) under the heading "Nationality."
§ Mr. HendersonMay the House take it that the term "British subject" will continue to apply to all His Majesty's subjects in every part of the British Commonwealth of Nations?
§ Mr. MacDonaldYes, Sir. There is no alteration in the existing practice in that respect.
Viscountess AstorCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the question of women's citizenship was considered; and is he aware that women want to retain their citizenship as much as men?
§ Mr. MacDonaldThe question of the nationality of married women was also discussed, and is referred to in the same section of the conference's report.